Helping China prepare framework for water resources management

Citation

(2009), "Helping China prepare framework for water resources management", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 20 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/meq.2009.08320bab.005

Helping China prepare framework for water resources management

Article Type: News From: Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, Volume 20, Issue 2

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is helping the People’s Republic of China (PRC) prepare a framework for managing the allocation of water resources to meet the needs of a growing population and a rapidly expanding economy. ADB will provide a $500,000 grant for the project from its technical assistance program. The Multi-Donor Trust Fund of the Water Financing Partnership Facility managed by ADB will extend a $250,000 grant. The fund is backed by the governments of Australia, Austria, and Norway. PRC will allot $200,000 to complete the funding.

With an effective allocation system, water can be distributed equally among regions and users, and priority areas identified during periods of scarcity. Rules will also be put in place for sharing limited water resources while preserving the environment for sustainable development. The new framework will protect water resources from over-exploitation. It will also incorporate measures to accommodate new users while protecting existing ones. PRC has 20 per cent of the world’s population but just 7 per cent of its fresh water. The north of the country accounts for 45 per cent of total population and 65 per cent of fertile land but only 19 per cent of water resources. On the other hand, the south comprises 55 per cent of total population and 35 per cent of fertile land but 81 per cent of water resources.